Saintil had previously been courted by several schools, including FDU, St. Louis and Florida Gulf. He was leaning toward attending prep school in Iowa next season before picking South Alabama.

“Hakim is one of the great competitors I have ever seen,” RC coach Dave Boff told SNY.tv.

“I have long said that any school he attends will be better for having him. He was the best on-ball defender in New Jersey this year and helped us win games defensively. On the other side of the ball, he is a great shooter, can get to the rim and finish and is an underrated passer.”

Said Sports U coach Brian Coleman: “Hakim brings a ferocious tenacity that can help you win games every night. He’s a great defender and a fierce competitor, a real nightmare for opposing point guards. He can run a team, shoot well from the perimeter and finish at the rim with the best of them. He can get in the lane virtually at will and that ability helps him find teammates for easy shots.

“Above all, Hakim is a super kid. I think he will have a great career at South Alabama.

About Adam Zagoria

Adam is a Basketball Insider for NBA.com and SNY.tv, where he covers basketball at all levels.

He is the author of two books, including "She's Got Handle," called "The 'Hoop Dreams' of the 21st Century" by The New York Times. His second book, "ULTIMATE: The First Four Decades," documents the colorful history of Ultimate Frisbee and was profiled in Sports Illustrated.

An award-winning journalist, his articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, Sports Illustrated, SLAM, Basketball Times and newspapers nationwide.

A veteran Ultimate player, Adam has competed in numerous World & National Championships, and his teams won the Westchester Summer League titles in 2011 & 2013.

He has also attended more Allman Brothers Band, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen and Rolling Stones shows than he cares to remember.

Adam lives in Manhattan with his wife, Jennifer, and their children, Grace and James.